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City of Alexandria to Appeal BZA Decision on Waterfront Plan

Today, the Alexandria City Council collectively gave guidance to City Attorney James Banks to appeal the recent decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The BZA voted 4-2 to overturn the Planning Director’s decision that a protest petition, filed by residents regarding the zoning changes for the waterfront plan, was invalid.

The City of Alexandria will appeal the BZA’s decision not only because of its effect on the future of the waterfront plan, but also to obtain clarification from the Circuit Court because of the unintended consequences of the BZA’s decision on future land use.

“The BZA’s decision could have broad implications on future land use decisions throughout the City,” stated Mayor William D. Euille. “To suggest that any text amendment be subject to a 6-1 supermajority vote of Council and the requirements of determining who is eligible to protest is both unreasonable and impractical. We respect the BZA and the opinions of citizens who don’t support the waterfront plan, but for the good of the entire city, we must appeal this decision.”

The City of Alexandria has 30 days from the date of the BZA’s decision to appeal in Alexandria Circuit Court.